The Gift of Greccio

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2024 Digital Issue #111)

by Patrick Martin, OFS National Centenary Task Force

According to the American Museum of Natural History, two thousand years ago our planet’s population was about 170 million souls (a far cry from today’s population of about 8 billion). Hundreds of thousands of babies were born that year. And in a far corner of the Roman Empire, a child was born to a carpenter and his wife in a small shed or cave in the village of Bethlehem.

Eight hundred years ago, our Seraphic Father, St. Francis, created that scene again in the hill town of Greccio. That event, that statement of incarnational belief, would influence the direction and theological foundation of the Franciscan Movement forever.

The Sanctuary at Greccio

This past year, the worldwide Franciscan Family celebrated the eighth centenary of the Nativity scene at Greccio. Here in the United States many events were held at the national, regional, and fraternity level to remember and remind us about the importance of what happened at Greccio in 1223.

Mother Cabrini Region’s Regional Formation Day last March focused on the incarnation, starting with a presentation by Fr. Edward Tverdek, OFM, entitled “The Incarnation, the Atonement, and the ‘Franciscan Thesis.”‘ The afternoon included a slide tour of Greccio, presentations on the many dimensions of the Centenary, and a closing liturgy. Regional Minister, Luana Lienhart, said, “Our formation team put together a beautiful set of presentations on recognizing the Incarnation in ourselves and each other. We focused on the works of mercy/JPIC/multicultural dimensions of the Incarnation and collected goods for a shelter for women and their children.”

The San Diego District of the St. Francis Region planned its Greccio event working with the First Order, Second Order and Third Order Regular to bring the entire Franciscan Family together for celebrations in November at two different locations in the diocese. “It’s events where the branches of the Franciscan family come together – and when we gather with Seculars from many fraternities, in our District, Region, or Nationally – that we truly experience what it is to be a member of this beautiful community. Our Franciscan spirituality is so much more than what’s in any one Fraternity – and that’s a camaraderie you could deeply feel at both of these Greccio events,” said Laura Chun, Minister of San Luis Rey Fraternity.

Also in November, the OFS-USA Centenary Task Force presented an online event called, “Celebrating Christmas at Greccio,” where more than 300 individuals and groups saw a virtual tour of Greccio conducted by Sr. Maryann Dosen, ssfcr. Following the tour, readings from the writings of two early Franciscan biographers were shared with the group: Thomas of Celano, one of the original followers of St. Francis, and St. Bonaventure, a “second generation” Franciscan who interviewed the remaining original followers. Discussion questions were given to the participants, who met in small groups for sharing. Videos of the presentations can be found at the OFS-USA website: Centenary Resources: Christmas at Greccio – Secular Franciscan Order – USA

(accessed Mar 2, 2024).

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/centenary-resources-christmas-at-greccio/

San Diego Greccio Celebration: Receiving small bundles of straw and blessing cards for home crèches.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/05/27/the-gift-of-greccio/

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher

Brothers and sisters, “Wherever you are, in every place, at every hour, at every time of day, every day and continually, let all of us truly and humbly believe, hold in our heart to love, honor, adore, serve, praise and bless, glorify and exalt, magnify and give thanks to the Most High and Supreme Eternal God, Trinity and Unity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Creator of all! Savior of all! who believe and hope in Him, and love Him…” (St. Francis, conclusion of the Early Rule)

the full text of this Sunday’s homily here: Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher (text)

View his homily here: Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher (video)

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/05/25/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-trinity-sunday-fr-christopher/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Rule of OFS, Chpt 3, Art.25-26 – May 24, 2024

Korean translation attached in a separate PDF.
Please share with your local fraternity.

The OFS-USA National Fraternity has recently published “From Gospel to Life,” the OFS Rule with Commentary. This occasional series highlights the Prologue (See November 17th and 24th) and the articles of the Rule, the commentary, and questions based on this publication for fraternity discussion. You may order “Gospel to Life” at this link: https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/Order-Form_October_2023rev.pdf

Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 Articles 25-26

Article 25: Regarding expenses necessary for the life of the fraternity and the needs of worship, of the apostolate, and of charity, all the brothers and sisters should offer a contribution according to their means. Local fraternities should contribute toward the expenses of the higher fraternity councils.44

Article 26: As a concrete sign of communion and co-responsibility, the councils on various levels, in keeping with the constitutions, shall ask for suitable and well-prepared religious for spiritual assistance. They should make this request to the superiors of the four religious Franciscan families, to whom the Secular Fraternity has been united for centuries.

To promote fidelity to the charism as well as observance of the Rule and to receive greater support in the life of the fraternity, the minister or president, with the consent of the council, should take care to ask for a regular pastoral visit by the competent religious superiors as well as for a fraternal visit from those of the higher fraternities, according to the norm of the Constitutions.45

 

“And whoever observes these things let him be blessed in Heaven with the blessing of the Most High Father, and on earth with the blessing of His Beloved Son with the Most Holy Spirit the Paraclete.”

(Blessing of St. Francis found in The Testament of Francis)

 

Commentary

Article 25: Paragraph 25 points out that the voluntary contributions of the members finance the fraternity’s spiritual and temporal needs and activities. The fraternity, according to its means and agreed-upon arrangements, also contributes to the support of regional, national, and international fraternities. This paragraph is a contemporary application of the traditional Secular Franciscan values outlined in the very first rule, that the members are responsible for taking care of their own in whatever way is necessary.

 

Article 26: Finally, the rule speaks of the spiritual assistance of the clergy; it also refers to the need of the friars to share fellowship and their Franciscan vocation with the Secular Franciscans (26). Three important implications are drawn from this paragraph: First of all, since the Secular Franciscan Order is basically a lay order, the laity themselves are primarily responsible for their own spiritual growth and have the duty to get the proper assistance to achieve this end. Secondly, spiritual assistants should have a good background in Franciscanism and Vatican Council II (especially the role of the laity) and a willingness to share their own vocation with the Secular Franciscan community. Thirdly, the official visit to the fraternity is given a dual role; spiritual growth is ensured through pastoral visitation by a Franciscan friar. Organizational development is provided by the fraternal visitation of a higher lay leader.

For discussion with a partner, in a group, or to comment on in your journal:

+Re-read articles 25-26 and the commentary:

— Sharing in expenses

· What do you understand the monthly contribution to the fraternity to be?

· How would you explain this to a new member?

—Spiritual Assistance

· Does your fraternity have a spiritual assistant? If yes, is it a friar, sister, or a Secular Franciscan? If no, who takes care of the spiritual needs of your fraternity?

· In what ways does your spiritual assistant serve your fraternity? If you know your regional spiritual assistant, tell how he serves your region.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Formación 17 de mayo, 2024 Por favor, comparta con su fraternidad local

 

La Fraternidad Nacional OFS-USA ha publicado recientemente “Del Evangelio a la Vida”, la Regla de la OFS con comentario. (Publicada en inglés y español) Esta serie ocasional que destacará el Prólogo (véase 17 y 24 de noviembre) y varios artículos de la Regla, el comentario y las preguntas para la discusión de la fraternidad. Se puede pedir “Evangelio a la vida” en español en este enlace:
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/Order-Form_October_2023rev.pdf

 

Regla de la Orden Franciscana Seglar

Capítulo 3 Artículos 25-26

 

Artículo 25: Todos los hermanos y hermanas ofrezcan una contribución proporcionada a las propias posibilidades, para sufragar los gastos necesarios de la vida de la Fraternidad o para obras de culto, de apostolado y de caridad.Las Fraternidades locales contribuyan al pago de los gastos de los Consejos de las Fraternidades de nivel superior.44

 

Artículo 26: Como signo concreto de comunión y de corresponsabilidad, los Consejos de los diferentes niveles, de acuerdo con las Constituciones, pedirán religiosos idóneos y preparados para la asistencia espiritual a los Superiores de las cuatro Familias religiosas franciscanas, a las cuales, desde siglos, está unida la Fraternidad Seglar.

Para fomentar la fidelidad al carisma y la observancia de la Regla, y para recibir mayor ayuda en la vida de fraternidad, el Ministro o Presidente, de acuerdo con el Consejo, sea solícito en pedir periódicamente a los Superiores religiosos competentes la visita pastoral y a los responsables del nivel superior la visita fraterna, según las Constituciones.

 

“Y todo el que guarde estas cosas, sea colmado en el cielo de la bendición del altísimo Padre, y sea colmado en la tierra de la bendición del amado Hijo con el Espíritu Paráclito…” (Bendición de San Francisco, del Testamento)

Comentario

Artículo 25: El párrafo 25 señala que las contribuciones voluntarias de los miembros financian las necesidades y actividades espirituales y temporales de la fraternidad. La fraternidad, según sus medios y arreglos convenidos, contribuye también al sostenimiento de las fraternidades regionales, provinciales, nacionales e internacionales. Este párrafo es una aplicación contemporánea de los valores franciscanos seglares tradicionales descritos en la primera regla, que los miembros son responsables de cuidar de sí mismos en cualquier forma que sea necesaria.

 

Artículo 26: Finalmente, la regla habla de la asistencia espiritual del clero; se refiere también a la necesidad de los frailes de compartir la fraternidad y la vocación franciscana con los franciscanos seglares (26). De este párrafo se extraen tres implicaciones importantes: En primer lugar, dado que la Orden Franciscana Seglar es básicamente una orden laica, los laicos mismos son los principales responsables de su propio crecimiento espiritual y tienen el deber de obtener la asistencia adecuada para lograr este fin. En segundo lugar, los asistentes espirituales deben tener una buena formación en franciscanismo y el Concilio Vaticano II (especialmente el papel de los laicos) y la voluntad de compartir su propia vocación con la comunidad franciscana seglar. En tercer lugar, se da un doble papel a la visita oficial a la fraternidad; el crecimiento espiritual se asegura a través de la visita pastoral de un fraile franciscano. El desarrollo organizacional es proporcionado por la visita fraterna de un líder laico superior.

 

Para hablar con un compañero, en grupo o para comentar en su diario:

+Leer otra vez los artículos 25-26 y el comentario:

–Compartir los gastos

· ¿Cuál entiende que es la contribución mensual a la fraternidad?

· ¿Cómo le explicaría esto a un nuevo miembro?

–La asistencia espiritual

· ¿Su fraternidad tiene un asistente espiritual? En caso afirmativo, ¿es un fraile, una hermana o un franciscano seglar? Si no es así, ¿quién se ocupa de las necesidades espirituales de su fraternidad?

· ¿De qué manera su asistente espiritual sirve a su fraternidad? Si conoce a su asistente espiritual regional, describa cómo sirve a su región.

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025

And after the Lord gave me some brothers

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2024 Digital Issue #111)

by Justin Carisio, OFS National Formation Commission

In the days before his death in 1226, St. Francis created a document that the Franciscan tradition calls “The Testament.”[1] He described this text as “a remembrance, admonition, exhortation, and my testament, which I, little brother Francis, make for you my blessed brothers….”[2] Among other things, Francis recounts how he formed his order: “And after the Lord gave me some brothers, no one showed me what I had to do, but the Most High Himself revealed to me that I should live according to the pattern of the Holy Gospel.” [3]

For St. Francis, living “according to the pattern of the Holy Gospel” was physical and sacramental. One of its signal characteristics would be its communal nature. Modeled on the example of Jesus and the apostles, it would be a community of brothers who would “give themselves to honest work,” living a life of poverty in the world “as pilgrims and strangers.” [4] In this and the other ways in which the Franciscan movement would take shape—St. Clare’s cloistered Poor Ladies or the secular Brothers and Sisters of Penance—the paradigm of Franciscan life would be fraternity.

Moreover, Franciscan fraternity would not be an abstract idea, not a collection of names on paper. For Secular Franciscans, fraternity then, as now, means brothers and sisters who are physically present to one another. That is why attendance at fraternity meetings is vital to our Franciscan way of life.

Our Rule states, “The local fraternity is to be established canonically. It becomes the basic unit of the whole Order and a visible sign of the Church, the community of love.” (Rule, Article 22) The commentary on the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order states, “The local fraternity is the basic living organism of the whole Secular Franciscan Order and a visible sign of the whole Church in miniature.”[5] The Constitutions emphasize that “The fraternity must offer to its members opportunities for coming together and collaborating through meetings to be held with as great a frequency as allowed by the situation and with the involvement of all its members.” (Constitutions, 53:1)

During the pandemic, many fraternities resourcefully turned to conference calls and internet services to meet these obligations at a time when physical gatherings were not possible. Some local fraternities continue to offer these options. However, they should only be employed in extraordinary circumstances or when necessary to engage members truly unable to attend a regular gathering.

In a homily he gave in April 2020, during the height of the Covid crisis, Pope Francis reminded us of the necessity of physically coming together. Acknowledging the utility of television and the internet under those circumstances, he nevertheless emphasized that Christians should seek a “daily familiarity with the Lord” that is intimate and personal but always in community: “The ideal of the Church is always with the people and with the sacraments. Always.” In a sentence that should ring true in the ears of every Franciscan, he stated, “The Church, the sacraments, the People of God are concrete.”[6] Believing that our local fraternities are indeed a living organism, a visible sign of the church in miniature, Secular Franciscans should take the Holy Father’s words to heart, reminding ourselves that fraternity is concrete. Fraternity is not virtual. The Lord has given us brothers and sisters as a gift. We should rejoice in our opportunities to come together and do so with eager anticipation.

[1] St. Francis of Assisi, “The Testament” in Francis of Assisi: Early Documents (FA:ED I), edited by Regis J. Armstrong, J. A. Wayne Hellmann, William J. Short (New York, London, and Manila: New City Press, 1999), 124.

[2] Ibid., 127.

[3] Ibid., 125.

[4] Ibid., 125-126.

[5] Conference of National Spiritual Assistants of the USA, From Gospel to

Life, The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order With Commentary (National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, 2023), 25

[6] www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/the-churchs-ideal-is-to-be-with-the-people-pope-says-15505

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/05/20/and-after-the-lord-gave-me-some-brothers/

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Pentecost Sunday – Fr. Christopher

Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR  – Come Holy Spirit!

Sisters and brothers, the presence of the Holy Spirit is among us, falling afresh with enthusiasm and conviction, animating us to break out of the obstacles that hold us back, and give witness to the Spirit of love and mercy that gives true life.

Come, O Holy Spirit.  Come.  From your bright and blissful home rays of healing light impart.  Come, Father of the poor, Source of gifts that will endure.  Light of every human heart.

the full text of this Sunday’s homily here: Pentecost Sunday – Fr. Christopher (text)

View his homily here: Pentecost Sunday – Fr. Christopher (video)

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/05/18/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-pentecost-sunday-fr-christopher/

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Juan de Padilla